For some, producing a first film might seem like an overwhelming task. But, Tim Tebow is no stranger to challenges. After winning the Heisman Trophy and a national championship with the Florida Gators, the former football player was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.
Although he led the Broncos to a few exciting comebacks and a playoff win in his second year, Tebow never started another NFL game. He briefly spent time with the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles before officially ending his professional football career.
Not one to give up, the former quarterback signed on with the New York Mets organization in 2016 in hopes of launching a professional baseball career. In the ensuing two years, Tebow steadily climbed the ranks in the Minor League. This year, he was named a Double-A All-Star. Unfortunately, Tebow broke his hand in July of 2018, which ended his season. Now, while his hand mends, Tebow is excitedly talking about the inspiring, family-friendly film he co-produced with his older brother Robby. The movie, titled “Run the Race,” focuses on two high school athlete brothers who turn to their faith while dealing with devastating losses and challenging trials as they play football.
Referring to the movie, Tebow said, “When I read the script, I knew this was an important project to get behind.” Tebow’s brother Robby added, “The script pulled me in right away, and I wanted to bring it to life cinematically. As somebody with brothers in a big, super-close family that has gone through a lot together, it resonated with me on a deep level.”
In the film, All-State athlete Zach works hard on the gridiron in hopes of receiving a college scholarship, which will provide him and his brother David the opportunity to get out of town. Zach’s desperate drive develops after his mother dies and his father abandons the family. When Zach incurs a devastating injury, he’s forced to sit on the sidelines. To keep the brothers’ dreams alive, David laces up his track cleats. According to LifeNews.com, “’Run the Race’ shows what’s possible when you run to, instead of from, the love of God.”
Tanner Stine, with previous roles in “NCIS” and HBO’s “Here & Now,” stars as Zach while Evan Hofer, who starred in “Kickin’ It” plays the role of David. Francis Fisher of “Titanic” fame stars as the brothers’ surrogate mother. Mykelti Williamson, with previous roles in “Fences” and “Forrest Gump,” plays the role of the brothers’ coach. Heisman winner Eddie George is among the supporting cast. Starring in the role of a college recruiter, George discovered the film’s focus on sports developed the perfect context for a story about Zach and David’s struggles and relationship. The famous former football player stated, “sports really is a microcosm of how life is. Somebody’s going to deal with adversity. Somebody’s going to deal with loss. Somebody’s going to deal with pain. Somebody’s going deal with victory and success. I think this film reflects that.”
Regarding his latest injury, Tebow remarked, “Every setback is just another opportunity for a comeback. I love and embrace that. I still had an exciting baseball season and it’s been a really fun ride. But I’m excited to be able to get back to work, heal this thing up, and get right back at it.”
The former Gator hopes movie goers will learn this lesson from his upcoming film.
“This is a story about overcoming the hard issues of life, about the power of sacrifice, the power of family and the power of forgiveness,” Tebow told Hollywood Reporter. “I love being a part of a project like this because it will impact lives.”
Filmed in Birmingham, Alabama and the University of Florida, “Run the Race” is reportedly in its final stage of post-production. A release date is set to be announced soon.
~ 1776 Christian